Internacional Mendoza

... in the 1500's. And our national hero San Martín came from here. <br>It is a clean and modern city. The region is occasionally plagued by some earthquake activity. But the climate is mild and rain is minimal. Day trips are available from Mendoza to Chili to glimpse the fascinating Incan Ruins - I can arrange that for you!

... little that we had has disappeared after too much time in the snow under warm clothes. So starting from scratch for both of us I'm afraid.<br><br>What we miss: 'Normal' towels. These 'ooo-look-at-me-I-can-fit-into-a-matchb ox' shammy type towels just arent the same!<br><br>What we dont miss: Sunday blues! (What day is it again?)<br><br>We take being sad to leave a place as a good sign meaning that we've had a great experience seeing a lot of the country with its ...

... as this was the longest we would be apart since we reunited with each other while traveling in November! However, it was kind of good timing as both of us had a lot of things to think about with regards to the future and sometimes I need to be on my own in order to really reflect and process my thoughts. We enjoyed a nice middle eastern meal in Mendoza for our last night and a phenomenal conversation on our views on the death penalty ...

... and salt forms use to be used as a thermal spa....unfortunately no longer. Heading to vineyards tomorrow for a cycling wine tasting tour. We pick up young Pimm (Danish) and Christian (American) and head off for the afternoon, very hot sunny day and went to three vineyards. One was a huge business that had been going for years with massive vault cellars and slightly heavy red wine for my taste. so we carried onto another set in beautiful building, very commercial ...

... winds. We were told though that the Torres del Payne park was different again, and the weather would probably be fine there. Well...it wasn't. We arrived to 100kph winds and endless rain, and a 15km walk to the glacier on the first day was abandoned half way as we could see about 10m max. Even though there were lodges/refuges on the trek we decided to 'keep it real' and camp, but our enthusiasm was short lived. After a night of no sleep (and the small tent ...

... a drop inn policy. Well Mendoza would fall on the lower end of the scale which we found out as we drove round and round and could not find anywhere to taste some wine! Finally, we found a nice burgundy sign promising tasting and indicated a winery that was at least interested in attracting the attention of wandering oenophiles. Turns out that we stumbled upon the "number four rated tasting room" of the whole region ...

... late!<br><br>Tomorrow the plan is to visit the massive park at the west side of town, visit a few of the scenic squares dotted around the centre and then bid our farewells to Mendoza before heading west to Chile on Thursday. <br><br>Hope all is well with you wherever you read this, lots of love, <br><br><br>Al &amp; Katie xx